We are pleased to announce the results of our recent 2025 DCATA Executive Council election. We are excited to share the new 2025-2027 DCATA Executive Council that will guide our association forward. They will begin shadowing the current executive council and they will start their new positions on June 1st.

Penny Lynch

Penny Lynch is an experienced Certified Athletic Trainer with over 27 years of professional experience in sports medicine. Currently serving as the Head Athletic Trainer and Assistant Athletic Director at Gonzaga College High School.

Penny earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree from Salisbury University. She received her Master from Bowie State University in Counseling Psychology.

Xavion Santiago

Xavion S. Santiago is a dedicated and experienced Certified Athletic Trainer with over 15 years of professional experience in athletic healthcare and sports medicine. Currently serving as the Athletic Trainer at School Without Walls Senior High School under District of Columbia Public Schools, Xavion is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and performance of student-athletes.

Throughout her career, Xavion has held key athletic training roles across educational and clinical settings, including ProFlex Physical Therapy, St. Mary’s Ryken High School, and Michigan State University. She has a proven track record of developing student assistant programs, implementing sports medicine policies, and leading wellness initiatives that foster physical and mental well-being.

Xavion earned his Master of Science in Sports Studies from High Point University and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Temple University, where she served as President of the Organization of Athletic Training Students.

Beyond her professional roles, Xavion is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletic training. She has delivered multiple presentations on cultural competency and wellness at national and regional conferences, including the NATA Convention. His leadership extends to volunteer service with organizations such as the MAATA EDAC District 3 Representative, the DCATA as secretary, and the DC HOSA advisory board.

With a strong commitment to mentorship, community engagement, and advancing the athletic training profession, Xavion continues to inspire and elevate those around her.

Kaitlyn D'Annibale

More information to come

Dr. Jamila L. Watson, DAT, LAT, ATC

I am Dr. Jamila Watson, a native Washingtonian, current DC resident, and employee of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) for over 23 years. It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for re-election as Treasurer of our association. I hold a Doctor of Athletic Training degree from Temple University (2021), a Master’s of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology/Pre-Medicine from Spelman College. For the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of serving as the Treasurer for the District of Columbia Athletic Trainers’ Association (DCATA), where I have made it my mission to ensure the financial health and stability of this small but vital nonprofit organization. I have a strong understanding of both financial management and the needs of our members. As the Head Athletic Trainer at Jackson-Reed High School (formerly Woodrow Wilson High School), I am deeply committed to both my professional work and the success of our association. Over my tenure as Treasurer, I have worked diligently to maintain transparency, foster trust, and ensure that our association remains financially sound and sustainable.

Why I am running: If re-elected for this term, I am committed to passing on my legacy of knowledge and experience to the next Treasurer. I plan to document the processes, strategies, and resources I have used to maintain our financial stability so that the association continues to thrive long after my term ends. This will be my final term as Treasurer, and I am dedicated to making a seamless transition and setting up the association for continued success. I bring extensive experience as a treasurer, as I have been the treasurer for not only DCATA, but for the Stinson-Nelson-Grier Family Reunion, the Grier Family and am a member of the financial team at Zion Church. I am committed to financial stability, with a primary goal of ensuring that the association’s finances remain transparent, accountable, and strategically managed. I deeply value the work we do as athletic trainers, and I am dedicated to ensuring our association’s continued growth and success. I humbly ask for your vote and support as we continue to strengthen our association and ensure its financial security.

Thank you for your consideration.

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